asked the Minister for Education if she is aware that Coláiste Íosagáin, Ballyvourney, Macroom, County Cork, is closing as a residential school; and in view of the major contribution that this school has made to the restoration of the Irish language, if she will enter into discussions with a view to retaining the school.

The management of Coláiste Íosagáin recently informed my Department that the boarding element of the college is being phased out. I am indeed very conscious of the contribution made by Coláiste Íosagáin in the cause of the Irish language.

Preliminary discussions on the future of the college have already taken place.